In 2012, Philadelphia Mayor's Office set up a similar scheme as part of an April Fool's Day prank.

Officials sent a press release to all media describing a pilot program for an 'E-Lane' - a designated space for pedestrians who prefer to stroll while on their phones.

Mayor Nutter said: "Stand on any sidewalk in Philadelphia you will see fellow citizens with busy lives who can’t take the time to look up from their iPhones, BlackBerries and other electronic devices.

"The E-Lane is a safe and convenient option for those distracted walkers and should make sidewalks safer for the rest of us.

"More Philadelphians than ever before rely on mobile technology to do business and stay in touch with family and friends. We need to accommodate them.”

However, there was a serious message behind the stunt, as mayor office worker Andrew Stober pointed out, a pedestrian is struck by a car once every four hours in the city.

He said: "Too many of those incidents come from actually distracted driving and drunk driving and drivers not doing what they should do.

“But pedestrians also have a role to play. It’s something that we see all over the city, pedestrians who aren’t paying attention. It’s one of the first things you’re taught growing up. Look both ways when you cross the street."